Tags for CMHR wins inaugural award at “the Oscars for Museums”

News release details

Winnipeg - September 30, 2016 –

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) today won an international award in London, England at an event that has been dubbed "the Oscars for Museums".

The jury for the 2016 Leading Culture Destination Awards - will open in a new tab chose the CMHR over five other institutions around the world shortlisted for the Best Soft Power Cultural Organization award, including the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC and museums in Poland, Afghanistan, the Philippines and Suriname.

"Canadians can be proud that their new national museum has been recognized as a global cultural destination alongside the most prestigious museums and galleries in the world," CMHR president and CEO John Young said. "This award will encourage more visitors from around the world to make the trip to Winnipeg and experience for themselves the cultural and architectural marvel that is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights."

Young also expressed gratitude to Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman for nominating the CMHR for this unique award, which was newly created to recognize cultural organizations, cities or districts that have powerful influence and impact based on excellence, relevance, transparency, accountability and sustainability.

"The CMHR has had a profound effect on our city, both conceptually and architecturally," Mayor Bowman said. "From the subject matter to the effect on Winnipeg's skyline, the CMHR commands the attention of the beholder. As a city, we're thrilled to have such an important cultural icon that has the ability to inspire current and future generations."

Leading Culture Destinations - will open in a new tabis a London-based organization offering unique experiences for cultural explorers, global nomads, people collectors and art lovers. It also publishes a quarterly magazine showcasing museums as social hubs, driving a new generation of travellers to creative communities in destinations around the world.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights - will open in a new tabis the first museum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Using multimedia technology and other innovative approaches, the CMHR creates inspiring encounters with human rights for all ages and abilities, in a visitor experience unlike any other.